The “Set It and Forget It” Meal That Tastes Like All-Day Cooking
What if I told you that the secret to a fork-tender, incredibly flavorful comfort food dinner wasn’t hours of active kitchen time, but rather 10 minutes of prep? It sounds almost too good to be true. In our fast-paced world, the demand for “dump and go” meals has skyrocketed, with searches increasing by over 400% in the last five years. This recipe for Pork Cube Steak in the Crock Pot is the answer to that call. It’s a culinary magic trick where a few pantry staples and a humble cut of pork transform into a rich, savory dish with its own delicious gravy, all while you’re busy with your day. Get ready to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again.
- The “Set It and Forget It” Meal That Tastes Like All-Day Cooking
- Your Shopping List for the Easiest Pork Dinner Ever
- Timing: 10 Minutes of Prep for an All-Day Flavor
- Step 1: Layer the Foundation
- Step 2: Whisk Up the Magical Gravy
- Step 3: The “Set It and Forget It” Slow Cook
- Step 4: Thicken the Gravy to Perfection
- A Look at the Nutritional Side
- Healthier Alternatives for a Lighter Meal
- Creative Serving Suggestions
- Common Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Results
- Storing Tips for Easy Future Meals
- Your New Favorite “Fix-It-and-Forget-It” Dinner
- FAQs: Your Crock Pot Pork Questions Answered
- Can I use a different cut of pork?
- Do I have to use Cream of Mushroom soup?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- My gravy isn’t thick enough. What can I do?
- Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
- Pork Cube Steak in the Crock
Your Shopping List for the Easiest Pork Dinner Ever
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliance on pantry-friendly powerhouses. This isn’t about complex techniques; it’s about smart ingredients working together to create something truly special.
| Component | Item | Amount & Sensory Description |
| Essential Equipment | Crock Pot / Slow Cooker | A 6-quart model is perfect for this recipe. |
| The Main Event | Pork Cube Steak | 1 ½ lbs. (about 6 pieces) – This tenderized cut is perfect for absorbing all the savory flavors. |
| The Flavorful Gravy | Onion Soup Mix | 1 packet – The savory, umami-packed secret weapon for an instant flavor boost. |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 2 (10.5 oz.) cans – The creamy, rich foundation of our luscious gravy. | |
| Beef Broth | 1 ½ cups – Adds a deep, meaty complexity to the sauce. | |
| Optional Add-Ins | Canned Mushroom Slices | 1 (6 oz.) can, drained – For those who love an extra woodsy, earthy bite. |
| Parsley | For garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. | |
| For Thickening | Cornstarch & Water | 2 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water – Our simple slurry for creating a perfectly thick gravy at the end. |
| Seasoning | Salt & Pepper | ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp pepper, or to taste – To enhance and balance all the flavors. |
Timing: 10 Minutes of Prep for an All-Day Flavor
This is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal. The tiny amount of active prep time is what makes this recipe a true game-changer for busy households.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on Low, or 4-5 hours on High
- Total Time: 4 to 8 hours (depending on cook setting)
A recent study showed that the average American spends about 37 minutes per day on meal preparation. This recipe crushes that average, requiring just 10 minutes of hands-on effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, tenderizing the pork and melding the flavors into a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Step 1: Layer the Foundation
This is perhaps the easiest first step in any recipe. Place your pork cube steaks in a single layer at the bottom of your Crock Pot. There’s no need to pre-sear the meat, making this a true “dump and go” experience. If you have to slightly overlap the pieces to make them fit, that’s perfectly fine.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Magical Gravy
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the packet of onion soup mix, both cans of cream of mushroom soup, the beef broth, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This simple combination is the heart of your rich, savory gravy. If you’re a mushroom lover, now is the time to stir in the drained can of mushroom slices.
Step 3: The “Set It and Forget It” Slow Cook
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the pork cube steaks in the Crock Pot, ensuring all the pieces are submerged. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You have two options here: cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours. For the most tender, fall-apart results, the “low and slow” method is highly recommended. Now, you can walk away and let the Crock Pot work its magic.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy to Perfection
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to thicken that beautiful gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and the ¼ cup of cold water until you have a smooth, milky slurry. It’s crucial to use cold water to prevent lumps. Gently pour this slurry into the Crock Pot and stir it into the gravy. Replace the lid and cook on High for the final 20-30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
A Look at the Nutritional Side
While this is classic comfort food, it’s always helpful to have an idea of the nutritional content. The information below is an approximation for one serving of pork cube steak and gravy, assuming the recipe yields 6 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 380-420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Healthier Alternatives for a Lighter Meal
Want to enjoy this comforting dish with a few healthier tweaks? It’s easy to adapt.
- Lower Sodium Soups: Look for low-sodium or “healthy request” versions of cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. This can reduce the sodium content by up to 40%.
- Homemade Creamy Base: Instead of canned soup, you can create your own base by sautéing 8 oz of fresh mushrooms and a chopped onion in butter, then whisking in ¼ cup of flour and slowly adding 2 cups of milk or a mix of milk and broth.
- Add Vegetables: Bulk up the meal with nutrients by adding sliced carrots, celery, or small potatoes to the Crock Pot at the beginning of the cooking time.
- Leaner Cuts: While cube steak is ideal, you could also use boneless pork chops, trimming any excess fat before cooking.
Creative Serving Suggestions
This rich and savory dish is a perfect canvas for a variety of classic comfort food pairings.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The quintessential pairing. Spoon the pork and gravy over a bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.
- With Egg Noodles: Serve over wide egg noodles, allowing them to soak up all the delicious gravy.
- Alongside Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice is another excellent vehicle for the rich sauce.
- As an Open-Faced Sandwich: Place a piece of pork on a slice of thick, toasted bread and smother it with gravy for a hearty open-faced sandwich.
- Classic Veggie Sides: Pair with simple steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or sweet corn to complete the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Results
This recipe is nearly foolproof, but a few tips will ensure success every time.
- Adding Cornstarch Directly to the Crock Pot: Never dump cornstarch directly into the hot liquid. It will clump up instantly. Always make a slurry with cold water first.
- Overcrowding the Pot: While some overlap is fine, don’t try to cram a double batch into a small slow cooker. The pork needs space to cook evenly.
- Cooking on High (When You Have Time for Low): While cooking on High works in a pinch, the “low and slow” method produces a significantly more tender and flavorful result. Data from slow cooking tests shows that connective tissues in tougher cuts of meat break down more effectively over a longer, lower cooking period.
- Forgetting to Taste: The canned and packaged ingredients have a lot of flavor, but always taste the gravy before serving. It might need an extra pinch of black pepper or a dash of salt to be perfect for your palate.
Storing Tips for Easy Future Meals
This recipe makes for fantastic leftovers that are just as good, if not better, the next day.
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover pork and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully. Let the pork and gravy cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Your New Favorite “Fix-It-and-Forget-It” Dinner
This recipe for Pork Cube Steak in the Crock Pot is the ultimate testament to the magic of slow cooking. With just a few minutes of prep, you can create a deeply flavorful, fork-tender meal that comforts and satisfies in every bite. It’s the perfect, stress-free solution for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any time you crave a hearty, homemade meal without the hassle.
We know this easy recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation! We invite you to try it and share your experience in the comments below. Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or noodles? We’d love to know! For more simple and delicious Crock Pot recipes, be sure to subscribe to our blog.
FAQs: Your Crock Pot Pork Questions Answered
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can. Thick-cut, boneless pork chops or a small pork loin could also work. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the cut.
Do I have to use Cream of Mushroom soup?
No, you have options! Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even golden mushroom soup would all create a delicious and savory gravy with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, ensure your onion soup mix is gluten-free, and use a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot starch in place of the cornstarch.
My gravy isn’t thick enough. What can I do?
If you’ve already added the cornstarch slurry and waited 30 minutes, you can simply make another small slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and add it to the Crock Pot. The gravy will thicken up further as it cools slightly.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Of course! If you want to use fresh mushrooms, give them a quick sauté in a separate pan with a little butter before adding them to the Crock Pot gravy mixture. This develops their flavor beautifully.
Print
Pork Cube Steak in the Crock
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 People 1x
Description
Fall-apart tender pork cube steaks simmer in a savory mushroom-onion gravy all day in the slow cooker. Minimal prep and rich, comforting flavors make this dish perfect for busy days and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. Pork cube steak (About 6 pieces)
- 1 packet (Onion soup mix)
- 2 10.5 oz cans (Cream of mushroom soup)
- 1 1/2 cups Beef broth (Low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1/4 tsp Ground black pepper (To taste)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 6 oz can (Mushroom slices )
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch (For thickening optional)
- Fresh parsley (Chopped for garnish (optional))
Instructions
Layer Ingredients:
- Place pork cube steaks in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the meat.
- In a bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, water, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the steaks.
- Scatter mushroom slices on top, if using.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours (or High for 3 hours), until the pork is very tender.
Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, about 15 minutes before serving whisk the cornstarch into 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the crock pot, replace the lid, and cook on High for an additional 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Garnish & Serve:
- Transfer the pork to a platter or serve directly from the crock pot.
- Spoon extra gravy over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the flavorful gravy.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, sear the cube steaks in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before adding to the crock pot.
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently on Low in the crock pot or on the stovetop.
- You can swap half the beef broth for red wine for a richer gravy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Crockpot Recipes
Nutrition
- Calories: 234
